MA in Marriage and Family Therapy

A master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from University of Massachusetts Global prepares you to support and address the needs of individuals, couples, and families in diverse communities.

Online Marriage and Family Therapy Degree: Clinical Training and Licensure Prep

UMass Global’s national online program, designed by scholar-practitioners with extensive clinical experience, is tailored to prepare you for a career as a marriage and family therapist. Help people, couples, and families overcome challenges in a safe and supportive therapy environment. You will learn how to assess situations, develop treatment plans, and provide therapy while factoring in family dynamics, cultural differences, and individual needs.

As a master’s in social work student at UMass Global, you’ll engage in an immersive 600-hour practicum experience, dedicating approximately 12+ hours per week for one year to in-person and virtual client interactions, relationship-building, and professional supervision.

To gain hands-on clinical experience, you’ll conduct a minimum of 20 therapy sessions with individuals, groups, couples, or families under the guidance of a licensed mental health professional. Five of these sessions may be conducted via telehealth, offering flexibility and innovation in your practice. Our dedicated field support team is here to guide you in identifying potential clinical sites within your community. While we provide resources and support, the ultimate responsibility for securing and coordinating your practicum hours lies with you.

Next Session

Spring II (Mar 3, 2025)

Estimated Tuition

Ways to Learn

Online

Discover Affordable Education

At UMass Global, our goal is to change your life through affordable education. We work with you to find grants, scholarships, tuition discounts, and low interest loans to keep your costs down.

Program Benefits that Benefit You.

Get Connected

UMass Global’s student organizations provide resources and networking opportunities to help make those industry connections.

Learn From Experts

Earn a degree that prepares you for real world clinical situations. Our master’s program was designed by scholar practitioners with years of clinical experience.

Career Advancement

Land that new job, raise or promotion, by gaining valuable experience in research, ethical issues, psychopathology and other desirable skillsets.

Imagine Your Future In Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy

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    Data source: Lightcast™ 2022 www.lightcast.io

    The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.

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    2. Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly

    3. The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any program

    WSCUC

    University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

    Someone considering their degree, definitely go for it. Sometimes it’s hard, sometimes it’s easy. I think one of my biggest challenges during my degree was doing it all throughout COVID, but I had a really good support system. The ups and downs is kind of what helps you out throughout the process.

    Vanessa Soto
    MA in Marriage & Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling
    The counseling program prepared me for my surprise career in behavioral health by providing me with a strong background and practical experience in counseling techniques and a strong skill set in research and critical thinking—key in building a leadership career.
    Robert P.
    MA, Professional Clinical Counseling
    The professors realized I have a life and wanted to pursue my dreams. They didn’t make me feel like I had to choose between family and school. They made me feel like I could be successful in both.
    Dominique H.
    BA, Psychology
    All of my instructors inspired me. They were working in the field as well as teaching, so the stories they shared made it relatable and attainable. The staff and faculty are all very positive and provide motivation for the students.
    Quinton J.
    BA, Psychology

    Admission Requirements

    Applicants for this program must complete the formal application process with all required documents, which include:

    • Completed application
    • Autobiographical Essay
    • Signed Ethical and Responsibility Statement form
    • Acknowledgement of Program Handbook receipt
    • Acknowledgement of Licensure Limitation Policy
    • 2.75 grade point average (GPA)
    • Official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions where baccalaureate and/or post-baccalaureate coursework was completed or attempted
    Residency Restrictions

    This program meets the requirements for licensure in most states.


    Contact a University Enrollment Coach for additional details.

    Transcripts

    Only credits from regionally accredited institutions may be accepted in transfer. Failure to report any previous academic work at another college or university may be considered a violation of academic integrity.

    No grad level exam required

    This Master’s degree program does not require applicants to take costly exams like the GRE. Why? Because we value your professional and life experience. You should get credit for what you already know.

    HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS? Request more information>



    Program Curriculum

    • Code Course Name Credits
      Foundation Courses

       

      MFT 502 History and Foundations of Therapeutic Practices       

      3

      MFT 506 Ethical and Professional Issues  

      3

      MFT 510 Psychopathology and Diagnosis 3
      MFT 512 Family Therapy Theories and Techniques: A Modern Emphasis 3
      MFT 514 Couples Therapy 3
      MFT 516 Assessment and Treatment of Substance Abuse 3
      MFT 518

      Child/Adolescent Psychopathology and 3 Child Abuse Reporting

      3

      MFT 520

      Advanced Individual Therapy I

      3

      Foundation Courses Subtotal

      24

      Marriage and Family Therapy Emphasis  
      MFT 502

      History and Foundations of Therapeutic 3 Practices

      3
      MFT 506 Ethical & Professional Issues 3
      MFT 510 Psychopathology & Diagnosis 3
      MFT 512 Family Therapy Theories and 3 Techniques: A Modern Emphasis 3
      MFT 514 Couples Therapy 3
      MFT 516 Assessment and Treatment of 3 Substance Abuse 3
      MFT 518 Child/Adolescent Psychopathology and 3 Child Abuse Reporting 3
      MFT 520 Advanced Individual Therapy I 3
      MFT 522 Individual and Family Development 3
      MFT 524 Clinical Issues in Human Diversity 3
      MFT 526 Family Therapy Theories and Techniques: A Postmodern Emphasis 3
      MFT 528 Research and Bibliographic Methods 3
      MFT 530 Theory and Practice of Group Therapy 3
      MFT 534 Clinical Assessment 3
      MFT 536 Psychopharmacology 3
      MFT 538

      Gender, Intimacy, and Sexuality

      3
      MFT 542

      Community and Environmental Mental Health

      3
      Practicum

       

      MFT 660 MFT Practicum I*: A Systemic Lens of the Developing Therapist

      1.5

      MFT 661 Practicum II*: Contextualizing the Content of Therapy

      1.5

      MFT 662
      Practicum III*:  Exploring the Therapeutic Process
      1.5
      MFT 663
      Practicum IV*: Theoretical Application and Capstone 1
      1.5
      MFT 664
      Practicum V*:  Social Context and Capstone 2
      1.5
      MFT 665 Practicum VI*:  Beyond the Classroom and Capstone 3

      1.5

      Practicum Subtotal

      9

      *If a student does not complete the required practicum hours during the MFT 660, 661, 662, 663, 664, 665 course series, they will be enrolled in a required MFT 696 MFT Practicum Continuation course (0 credits) and required to pay a Graduate Practicum Continuation Fee. The student will remain enrolled in MFT 696 until they complete the required practicum hours, or until the student's seven- year program completion timeline has expired. Students will accumulate hours toward their practicum requirements only when enrolled in MFT 660, 661, 662, 663, 664, 665, or 696.

       

      Total Credits

      60











    Meet Our Faculty

    Want More Information About Psychology and Counseling?

    Explore career opportunities in these helping professions and discover a path that fits your future.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Browse through frequently asked questions about psychology and counseling.

    Mental Health Therapy

    What does a mental health therapist do?

    The primary duty of mental health therapists is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for clients. They do this by collecting information through interviews, observations, or tests. This can include diagnosing disorders; crafting service plans, and coordinating treatment with other health care professionals; and performing crisis interventions as needed. More info.

    Why work as an addiction counselor?

    Substance abuse counselors can be instrumental in helping those experiencing addiction. Their work is greatly needed and rewarding. They guide clients in changing their attitudes and behaviors by adapting to new life practices and utilizing important coping skills through therapeutic care, education and support. Explore more reasons

    Marriage and Family Therapy

    How do you become an LMFT?

    The most common path into the field is earning a MA in Psychology then completing two years of post-degree supervised clinical experience. All states require MFTs to be licensed, which generally involves passing the Marriage and Family Therapy National Exam and completing continuing education courses throughout their career. Learn more

    Child Psychology

    Why is child psychology important?

    Child psychology helps serve the population who need help the most – our young people. ADHD, anxiety and behavior disorders are among the most common disorders that can be diagnosed during childhood, but not all children, or parents, have the resources to address them. See the stats and more.

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